I just got back from seeing my endocrinologist, who told me that I have the autoimmune thyroid disorder called Hashimoto's Disease. Last fall, I was diagnosed with microscopic collagenous colitis, which is also an autoimmune disorder. And of course, narcolepsy makes 3 autoimmune disorders for me. So far.

I got to wondering on the way home about whether I might be headed for yet other autoimmune diagnoses as time goes on. The doc says there is no way to know for any specific person, of course. But I was wondering what the trend might be among us. I'd be interested in your answer to my little poll, if you're comfortable with it.

If there is any research out there about how many autoimmune disorders people with narcolepsy tend to develop, I'd be interested in learning about it.

Wow! You are so...lucky (or not). While I do not have any diagnosed autoimmune disorders (other than narcolepsy), I am painfully aware that many things are out of whack in my immune system. I am fascinated to see what your poll turns up. I do hope that someone eventually does do research on this.

You must educate yourself and become your own advocate. Do not accept anything short of thorough and compassionate care. It may take years to find the right doctor and the right answers during which you may be treated with incredulity and condescention, but this is your body, and your life.

Interests:Dedicated to a purposeful life. My wife and children are my world. Fine Art is my passion and Proud Boxer Owner.

Posted 25 October 2009 - 01:35 AM

I know this topic is gaining some age since originally posted but I find it very interesting. This conversation has floating around my house for some time. I'm convinced if a cure for narcolepsy is found through the autoimmune pathway, most other autoimmune diseases could be cured. At 12 I had OCD. Early twenties, diagnosed with Optic nerve head drusens. Soon after, N. I now understand how the OCD is connected but not the drusens. Age onset for drusens is usually late in life. So you could imagine the fuss the Docs made of my age. What's funny is on Doc visit for EEG at age 14, looking back at my records I see drusens recorded. And waking from sleep I stay REM for a long period of time on EEG. Too bad I had to wait years later to realize I was going to lose a bit of my sight and REM would overtake everything. It's amazing PWN are here discussing this medical info. I guess we realize it's up to us.

My son is the lucky one with N, he does not have any other autoimmune disease. However, in the last 5 years, Parkinson's, Lupus, Celiac, Lou Gehrig's, Alheizimers, & Diabetes have been diagnosed to other people in our family. I think most are autoimmune diseases.